Japan's Kentucky Derby bid up for Grabs Sunday

While Derma Louvre, current leader in the "Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby," has opted to run in Dubai, Japan's spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate is up for grabs March 31 in the Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama.

The one-mile Fukuryu is the final stop in the Japanese series. Derma Louvre heads for the UAE Derby Sponsored by The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2) holding the lead with a mere 14 points. The Fukuryu awards 40 points to the winner—guaranteeing that 3-year-old will surpass Derma Louvre's total and have first call on a May 4 spot in Louisville.

The UAE Derby is part of the main "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series that otherwise is comprised of U.S races. Any points Derma Louvre earns in Dubai will not translate into the Japan series so he likely would need to win or finish second in the UAE Derby to earn his way to Churchill.

Of the eight horses in the Fukuryu field, the only contender with both points and a Triple Crown nomination is Master Fencer, a Just a Way colt who finished fourth in the listed Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse in his most recent start after two wins in restricted events.

Nova Lenda takes 30 points into the Fukuryu but because he's not nominated is not listed in the standings. The Daiwa Major colt would require a late nomination fee.

Others in with a chance include Der Flug, a son of the French-bred stallion Behkabad who is 2 for 2, and Gold Lagoon, a Gold Allure colt who has won his last two starts.